The football world has erupted in emotion following Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football. The Argentina captain, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, announced the end of his international career after an extraordinary 21-year journey with the national team.
At 39, Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances. His career with the national team included two Copa América titles, in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino Thanks Messi
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was among the prominent figures to pay tribute to Messi. Infantino congratulated the Argentine superstar on an extraordinary international career and praised the impact he has had on football worldwide.
He described Messi as a World Cup champion and one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen, while thanking him for bringing immense joy to millions of football fans around the world.
Messi’s influence has extended far beyond his goals and trophies. Over more than two decades, he became one of the defining figures of modern football, inspiring generations of players and supporters.
Ángel Di María’s Emotional Farewell
One of Messi’s closest teammates, Ángel Di María, also delivered an emotional tribute to the Argentina captain. The former international forward reflected on their years together in the national team and expressed gratitude for having witnessed Messi’s extraordinary career from close range.
Di María said it was difficult to imagine Messi no longer wearing Argentina’s famous sky-blue and white shirt. He also thanked Messi for choosing Argentina when he could have represented another country and for helping take the nation “to the top of the world.”
Di María and Messi shared some of Argentina’s most important moments, including the 2021 Copa América triumph and the historic 2022 World Cup victory. Their partnership became a defining part of Argentina’s golden generation.
From Heartbreak to Glory
Messi’s international journey was not always filled with success. Before his breakthrough, Argentina suffered several painful defeats, including the 2014 World Cup final against Germany and consecutive Copa América final losses. Messi even briefly announced his international retirement in 2016 before returning to the national team.
The turning point came at the 2021 Copa América, when Messi finally lifted a major international trophy with Argentina. A year later came the crowning achievement: Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, defeating France in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Argentina then added another Copa América title in 2024, further cementing Messi’s place among the country’s greatest sporting icons.
A Legendary Final Chapter
Messi’s final international tournament came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina reached the final once again but lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time, denying Messi the fairytale ending of another World Cup triumph.
Despite the disappointment, his legacy was already secure. Messi leaves the international stage as an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, a World Cup champion and a two-time Copa América winner, with records that place him among football’s most accomplished players.
The End of an Era
Tributes have poured in from teammates, former teammates, football officials, Argentina’s football association and fans around the world. Rodrigo De Paul described Messi as the “greatest of all time” and said he had brought countless smiles to those around him. Argentina’s national team also thanked its captain for an unforgettable journey.
For Argentina, Messi’s retirement represents the end of one of the most remarkable eras in the country’s football history. For millions of fans worldwide, it marks the farewell of a player whose talent, perseverance and achievements transformed the way the game is remembered.
Messi may no longer wear the Argentina shirt, but his No. 10, his trophies and his extraordinary journey will remain permanently connected with the history of Argentine football.
